Kampala, May 3, 2026 — The government has moved to reassure Ugandans of uninterrupted electricity supply following a major leadership shake-up at the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), which has seen the board chairperson removed, and the managing director sent on forced leave.
In a statement issued on May 2, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development announced the immediate termination of the board chairperson’s services and directed the managing director to step aside as part of a broader review of the company’s operations.
Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu said the intervention is aimed at strengthening governance, accountability, and efficiency within the power distributor.
“Uganda’s power supply remains stable and secure. However, to address emerging governance and accountability issues at UEDCL and strengthen oversight, the Government of Uganda and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development have undertaken targeted measures to safeguard service delivery and operational efficiency,” she said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
She emphasised that the actions are part of standard oversight processes rather than a crisis response. “These actions… are part of routine governance to reinforce accountability and institutional performance. I assure all Ugandans that electricity distribution services will continue uninterrupted during this transition,” she added.
Interim Leadership Put in Place
To maintain operational continuity, the ministry confirmed that an interim board chairperson has been appointed by shareholders, while an acting managing director will oversee the company’s daily operations during the review period.
The leadership changes follow what the ministry described as a “comprehensive assessment” of UEDCL’s management and performance, coming just over a year after the utility assumed nationwide electricity distribution responsibilities.
Focus on Governance and Service Delivery
According to the ministry, the measures are intended to reinforce institutional performance and improve service delivery across Uganda’s electricity network.
“The public and all stakeholders are hereby assured that electricity supply and distribution services will continue uninterrupted during this period,” Nankabirwa said in the official statement.
The interim arrangements will remain in place until substantive appointments are made through formal procedures, the ministry added.
Sector Under Scrutiny
The shake-up comes at a critical time for Uganda’s energy sector, as the government seeks to strengthen oversight and efficiency in power distribution amid growing demand and expanding access.
Analysts say the move signals a firm stance by authorities to tighten governance at UEDCL, which plays a central role in delivering electricity to households and businesses across the country.
For now, officials maintain that the transition will be seamless, with no disruption expected to the national grid as reforms take shape.
